Backyard burning is legal again across Washington County after fire agencies lifted the high-fire danger burn ban that had been in place since June 15.
The ban ended at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, according to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. All six county fire agencies, including TVFR, Banks Fire District 13, Cornelius Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Gaston Fire District and Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, agreed to lift the restriction. The decision followed a recommendation from the Washington County Fire Defense Board, made in consultation with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).
Improved weather conditions drove the decision, TVFR said in a statement. But fire danger has not disappeared.
Washington County fire chiefs urged residents to stay vigilant, know local burning rules, never leave a fire unattended and make sure every fire is completely out, according to a Hillsboro Fire & Rescue statement reported by the Beaverton Valley Times.
The four-month ban had prohibited backyard and open burning of branches and yard debris, agricultural burning and all land clearing or controlled burns. Small recreational fires in portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables and campfires were allowed throughout the summer, along with barbecue grills and smokers. Those fires had to stay within a three-foot diameter and two-foot height and be fully extinguished after use.
Now that the ban is lifted, outdoor burning rules vary by jurisdiction. TVFR urged residents to check their fire agency's website or call its burn information line before lighting any fire. Washington County's interactive burn ban boundary map can help residents determine whether burning is allowed at a specific address. Burning laws and guidelines are also available through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
One restriction remains: slash burning is still prohibited. Residents who need a slash-burning permit can contact ODF's Forest Grove District at 503-359-7499 or [email protected].
